Page 7 of Destroyer

"When that day comes, I will gladly take a drink with you." Caeo smiles at me. He gets how important it is. "Although we could get you some ID to prove how old you are."

"Each day I go past newsagent on corner. He says he will sell me vodka the day I look old enough. Each day I go in, and smile and he put each day a lollypop on counter. One day he will put there the vodka instead."

"You had lollies every day?" Caeo has a tone that doubts my oral hygiene.

"Do you have any idea how much it shits people up if I suck lolly while telling what Gavriil do if they don't talk."

Caeo eyes me up and down like he's assessing how scary I could be as a kid sucking a lolly.

"It's all about the context. These guys were tied to chairs, terrified for their lives, knowing no one survives the Slayer. What is scarier? Gavriil comes in, looking all big and mean. And then kid with lolly and squeaky shoes."

"You, because you were the one thing that was out of place in the situation."

"I get you pudding." I grin and drop the pudding tins into the hot water. "Then you drop me at Gregory on the way home."

“You want to stay with Gregory?”

“Tonight. He does have something he wants talk about. I will see if it is like putty fingers.”

Caeo reluctantly nods, and it makes me happy to think he will miss me.

Chapter five

Caeo

Thoselittletinnedchocolatesponges are far nicer than I ever imagined, and for a hermit living in a tree circle, it was a nice meal. I surprise myself to admit I enjoyed it.

Now I have come home alone.

Home.

Then you drop me at Gregory on the way home.

I didn't feel bitter when Nico asked to spend time with his half-brother, because he called my place home.

Watching a film on my own highlights just how much I enjoy having that crazy boy sitting here with me, cheering for the serial killer or scary monster. Even if I could choose my own film. I miss him. When the doorbell rings, I don't care how late it is, only that he came home.

I open the door and frown out at Gregory.

"Hey man, look, I just need to apologise,” he begins slowly.

"Forgiven," I shrug, not sure what he thinks he's done wrong.

"I kinda need to apologise to Nico. He's the one who freaked out."

"Nico doesn't freak out." My boy takes everything in his stride and only dishes out his revenge when you've forgotten its coming.

"He just waits until you're not looking and then sets your car alight. Can I apologise to him please?"

"He isn't here."

"Oh. He said he was coming back here. I trusted him."

“He left you to come here? How long ago?” I know Nico can take care of himself, but the idea that he is out there alone worries me.

"What did you argue over?" I shove my feet into my trainers and grab my car keys. I'm going to look for him.

"Just stupid stuff," Gregory shrugs.

---